EDITORIAL

Optimism despite the odds

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BY THE MANILA TIMES ON SEPTEMBER 9, 2017EDITORIAL
Filipinos are said to be fatalistic, as exemplified by the so-called bahala na or come-
what-may attitude. Many scholars, however, have qualified this, notably F. Landa
Jocano, who views bahala na as an expression of the Filipinos confidence in the Divine,
if not his own problem-solving skills. At any rate, it is both an indicator of an optimistic
outlook and a coping mechanism.

This optimism is shown in the quarterly Consumer Expectations Survey of the Bangko
Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). At first glance, the third-quarter results, released on Friday,
present a less favorable outlook the overall confidence index declined to 10.2 percent
in the third quarter from 13.1 percent in the second quarter.

It should be pointed out, however, that even if the index slipped, consumer confidence
in the countrys economic condition, the familys financial situation, and family income
was still high. In fact, the third-quarter reading was the second highest since the central
bank began surveying consumer sentiment 10 years ago.

The latest BSP consumer survey results only showed that fewer Filipinos were
optimistic. Still, there were more optimists than pessimists among the 5,000
representative households surveyed.

It is remarkable that Filipino optimism remained high, given the recent uptick in inflation
and the crisis in Marawi City, on top of the usual concerns over the jobs situation.

Still, there is some cause for alarm. Low-income households became pessimistic in the
third quarter, as respondents said they expected no salary increases during the period.

Middle-income households were less optimistic as they expected an increase in

household expenditures.

These, however, are short-term worries that could eventually dissipate especially when
the Duterte administration makes good on its Build, Build, Build strategy to stimulate
the economy and draw more foreign investments.

Again, the BSP data reflects this. The forward-looking confidence index registered an
increase for the fourth quarter, hitting 17.8 percent versus the 13.6 percent recorded in
the previous survey.

In the final quarter of 2017, consumers expect additional income and salary increases,
an improved peace and order situation, and more new jobs. This is not surprising. The
fourth quarter is the season of merriment and gift-giving, enabled, of course, by the
mandated 13th month salary, and bonuses for some, as well as other perks every
hardworking Filipino looks forward to receiving.

Consumer sentiment for the next 12 months is also reassuring, with the index relatively
unchanged at 33.7 percent.
The entry of the ber months is a yearly reminder of Filipinos optimism. There may be
qualms over peace and order, fears over family finances and other worries, but these will
all be overcome.

For Filipinos, these fleeting uncertainties are no reason to become pessimistic. This
fatalistic-optimistic attitude is no liability; it is what makes us a resilient people.